A Northern Gas Networks (NGN) hydrogen storage project supporting greater energy resilience has been awarded further innovation funding from the UK energy regulator.
The Knapton H2 Storage for H2P project in North Yorkshire will now progress into its next phase of development. The project has received funding that was confirmed through Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
The SIF supports projects working to accelerate the decarbonisation of Britain’s energy networks.
This ‘Alpha’ stage builds on a successful ‘Discovery’ phase. This phase increased understanding of geological hydrogen storage for power generation and energy system resilience.
The project is led by NGN, with partners including the British Geological Survey, Centrica, Ceraphi Energy, National Gas Transmission, the University of Edinburgh and Wales & West Utilities.
The critical role of hydrogen storage
Hydrogen storage is increasingly recognised as a critical enabler of hydrogen‑to‑power, allowing energy to be stored when supply is high and used when power demand increases, helping improve energy security and balance a renewables‑led system.
The project will now evaluate practical near-surface and above-ground hydrogen storage options for Knapton. This knowledge could support early deployment and make more effective use of renewable energy.
Alongside near-term storage solutions, the project will investigate how larger underground hydrogen storage facilities. These storage facilities could possibly support the UK’s future energy needs.
Building on Knapton as a base case, the project will also develop a Scalability and Adoption Plan, ensuring that learnings from both near‑term and geological storage options can be applied across the UK.
In addition, this will support wider deployment of hydrogen storage across a range of applications. This will help towards reducing wasted renewable energy and accelerate the transition to low‑carbon gas systems.
Also, energy storage and backup power will become increasingly important. As the UK increases the amount of renewable energy supplying electricity.
This study is the first of its kind in the region. It will undertake a feasibility assessment of the area’s geology to host energy storage technologies, allowing for the decarbonisation of gas-fired peaking power plants (those that only run when there is high demand).
Embedding resilience into the UK’s energy
The nearby Vale of Pickering and North Yorkshire areas host a fantastic diversity of geology. With further research these could be used for storing hydrogen.
Also, the region contains numerous depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and legacy gas assets. These may have potential for repurposing, alongside other porous rock aquifers, salt deposits and rocks that may support lined rock shafts.
The study will generate an understanding of what is possible for hydrogen storage at scale in the local area. More importantly the research will look into supporting the area’s local economy, embedding resilience and the UK’s energy security.
Jarred Knott, Energy Futures Project Manager at NGN, said:
“Securing Alpha funding is an important milestone for the Knapton H2 Storage for H2P project. It reflects the strength of the work delivered during the Discovery phase.
“This next stage is focused on delivering practical solutions. Exploring options that can be implemented in the near term while also unlocking the deeper geological storage needed for long‑duration energy resilience.
“By addressing both technology and the planning and regulatory requirements for deployment, we are creating a clear pathway to scale hydrogen storage across the UK. This will enable a more flexible, secure and low‑carbon energy system, fit for the future.”
To find out more about this project and future engagement opportunities, visit NGN’s Innovation pages. Alternatively, you can contact the project team on [email protected]
